Another two-night stand this weekend for The Mantras, a Greensboro band with an uplifting, explorative take on the jam band genre. Their album “Jambands Ruined My Life” finds The Mantras moving from swampy to more glittery sounds while remaining a rock ‘n’ roll band. Details: 10 p.m. show Saturday, 1 S. Front Street, downtown Wilmington.

Sharp, driving pop-rock from this Charlotte band that features Jon Lindsay as one of its singers. The Catch Fire marries ’90s indie rock to smooth, shiny ’80s-style pop. Featuring great harmonies and a tender garage rock atmosphere, the band’s album “Rumormill” is infectious, with great guitar hooks and pop melodies. Details: 10 p.m. Friday, 120 Greenfield St., Wilmington. www.TheCatchFire.com

Winston-Salem band plays sugary, engaging, lo-fi garage rock. The band performed here last May in support of its new album, “Season,” on which the group delivers a polished, sometimes fuzzy indie pop sound along with Philip Pledger’s crooned vocals. With Wilmington bands Onward, Soldiers, who are headlining, and Museum Mouth. Details: 8 p.m. doors, 9 p.m. show, Saturday, 208 Market St., downtown Wilmington. $7.

A double bill with Wilmington’s Justin Lacy and Swimming Machine, a band that, like Greensboro’s Bright, tends toward carnival-esque stylings. Bright’s music has a dynamic, theatrical vibe, and she’s also an elegant storyteller, with baroque music and varied instrumentation. Her album “Muses and Bones” is a mix of jazz and world flavors, with emotional vocals that caress and stab. Details: 8 p.m. doors, 9 p.m. show, Saturday, 107 S. Front Street, downtown Wilmington.

About This Blog

The WAE: Wilmington-area Arts & Entertainment is dedicated to experiencing, discussing and promoting the arts in Southeastern N.C. From theater and all manner of music to visual art, dance, festivals and more, The WAE is populated by people who are immersed in local A&E. If it’s about A&E in Southeastern N.C., then we’re all about it.